ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD affects both men and women, but the expectations of society and gender roles can make it difficult for them to get diagnosed. Women may also hide their symptoms better, which can cause them to be incorrectly diagnosed or delayed in treatment.
Internalized symptoms, referral biases persisting stereotypes, and comorbidities can all be obstacles to a correct diagnosis. Here are a few of the most common untreated adhd in female adults.
1. Difficulty Focusing
While hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD are more prevalent in males and females but women and those who are who are assigned a female at birth (AFAB) aren't yet being diagnosed for the condition. This is in part because women's symptoms are more often inattentive than those of the hyperactive/impulsive type, which make them less likely to get referred for assessment and treatment.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include being unable to remember important appointments or items that are important, and getting easily distracted by work or social occasions. Women suffering from this disorder might also have difficulty to concentrate on schoolwork or other work. Women who suffer from ADHD may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of depression, anxiety, or medical problems.
People with inattentive ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to cover them up. Others may not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, frustration, and conflict within relationships. In the workplace, it can lead to missed opportunities and career challenges.
In the end, the impact of untreated ADHD in females who are adults can be devastating. Women may have a difficult time to manage their issues at home as well as in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a steady pace while they manage their responsibilities and attempt to achieve goals they set for them.
alternative adhd treatment for adults with ADHD struggle to focus and struggle to get emotional support from their family and friends. They may become lonely or develop unhealthy habits that are self-defeating, such as drinking.
Women with untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms, such as low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This makes them more susceptible to stress, physical illnesses and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. In turn, they are more likely to turn to suicide or self-injury than those who don't suffer from the condition. Being diagnosed can make a woman feel more confident in taking steps to transform her life for the better. To receive a diagnosis one must first consult a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly at work. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have trouble managing their daily schedule and completing work-related tasks. They might forget appointments, misplace important paperwork, or depend on productivity apps to help stay on task. These apps are helpful, but cannot replace good organizational skills.
The expectations for gender roles of women can also increase the symptoms of ADHD. Women are expected to take care of their home and family which requires an amount of coordination that those with ADHD struggle to maintain. The pressures from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves for not being able to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships, both personal and professional. Symptoms of ADHD can cause you to underestimate the long it takes to complete a task, leading you to be late for meetings or other commitments. If you're often late for meetings, think about using a planner or checklists to keep on top of deadlines. Make sure to take frequent breaks to move around and calm your mind. Also, use a timer when working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your the task and avoid distractions. Listening to news stories on your smartphone instead of listening to music or podcasts can be an excellent alternative to listening to music while working. If you have trouble concentrating when driving, you can switch to a manual transmission car. You may also want to think about driving without your phone to avoid getting distracted by texting or making calls.
Once you are diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can suggest treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options include medication, such as stimulants, and psychotherapy. Your doctor will suggest an approach depending on your symptoms and the present situation in your life. For instance, cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn to accept your thoughts and feelings, while changing your negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. You can also seek couples counseling or family therapy to improve communication in your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety than males. They may have difficulty coping with these issues, leading to a range of unhealthy behaviours. To cope with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These actions can worsen symptoms. Furthermore, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed with these conditions. They may be given the wrong treatment that could increase their mood or trigger other issues.
It's essential to be aware that stress, physical conditions and illnesses can trigger symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. It is essential to consult an expert in mental health or health care professional to get an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the differences in ADHD diagnoses between men and women is due to a mixture of socially and biologically imposed roles. Women are expected to do more household and parenting work than men. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt and lead to dysfunctional beliefs that can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.
In addition, women may be less likely to disclose their symptoms to a medical professional because they think they can handle the symptoms on their own. Women with ADHD are also more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or stress. This can lead to many women with ADHD not being diagnosed until they reach adulthood.
Research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic period has been particularly challenging for young adults, who are more likely to have more persistently high levels of depression and anxiety than adults of middle age. These peaks coincided with cases of COVID-19 and occurred during a time where protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, years of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Stress exposure as a whole, whether it is chronic or recent, is known to cause depression and anxiety. This combination of factors could explain why these levels are so persistently high.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD may have difficulty finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they age. Social isolation is linked to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It can be beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide assistance, but many adults have difficulty maintaining or form new relationships.
Societal norms about gender and sexuality may affect the likelihood that women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than males to refer girls to services for ADHD. This is thought to be partly due to the different types of symptoms that manifest in girls and boys: boys and men typically display hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms, while girls and women typically show primarily inattentive-type symptoms.
These societal expectations for women and girls can also exacerbate their ADHD symptoms. Girls and women are often held to a higher standard than boys and men for the behaviors, attitudes, and traits they exhibit--particularly in relation to their empathy and ability to relate to others. This makes women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms such as disorganization and inattention. In the end, they could be misdiagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder and their ADHD symptoms might not be properly treated.
Additionally, signs of untreated adhd in adults can amplify ADHD in females. Estrogen levels are lower towards the end of their menstrual cycle as well as during ovulation. This can cause the symptoms of women and girls appear to be more severe. This can cause confusion among adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to diagnose and treat them appropriately.
Although many of the same treatment options are available for women with ADHD A mental health professional will still have to evaluate the individual's needs and symptoms. The kind of therapy that a patient receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms and any other factors that might be contributing to their difficulties, such as the history of depression or trauma. Some common treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals are taught to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling that can help people improve communication and resolve issues in their relationships.